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One of the best decisions that has been made in recent years was the elimination of the coolant called Freon. It is also known as R-22, a chlorofluorocarbon that was single-handedly destroying the ozone layer. Once this was determined, replacement coolants were derived. This came from much experimentation by scientists that were experts in this industry. If you are using a refrigerator, air conditioner, or any other type of unit that produces cold air, you may have to replace the Freon that you have in these units. At the very least, by the year 2020, Freon will no longer be a viable coolant. It will be discontinued on a permanent basis. Therefore, you need to find a replacement for R-22 which can do the same job, or may even be better, without harming the environment. These are a few tips on choosing the right R-22 replacement that you can use with all of your appliances and machines that produce cool or cold air.

How Does Freon Affect The Ozone Layer?

Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon. It is the combination of these chemicals which eventually leads to the breakdown of ozone. Over the course of decades, the size of the hole over Antarctica was shown to grow, clearly showing that the ozone in the upper atmosphere was dissipating. Once there were restrictions on how much of the chlorofluorocarbons could get into the atmosphere, it started to recover. This contrasted directly against those that simply thought that this was a natural part of the process of the world. Therefore, it is because of this that Freon was discontinued, and it will be officially gone in a few years. What needs to be done now is to find a replacement for R-22. There are actually several that can be used for this purpose.

Replacements For R-22 That Work

One of the best replacements is called TdX20 from Bluonenergy.com. It is said to be a direct replacement for Freon. There is no need to modify any aspect of the machines that are using this. It is chemically similar in the way that it operates, but it is not a chlorofluorocarbon. Another one is called R410a. It has a very high safety rating, and is actually known by the brand name Puron, a product that is very effective. In fact, it has been shown to have a higher safety rating, and in regard to the ozone layer depletion, it has absolutely no effect. It is also energy efficient, more so than Freon, making this one of the top replacements for R-22 that must be done very soon.

Do You Need A Professional To Help You?

You do need to have a professional help you. This is something that absolutely needs to be done. If you are unable to find one in your community, there will likely be several that can help just outside of your area. Due to the necessity of replacing Freon more HVAC companies than ever before are getting the training on how to do this. They must use special devices to first extract the Freon, without it leaking, and then inject the new coolant in its place. As for the disposal of the R-22, there are different ways that this can be done which are handled by the professionals. The goal is to make sure that this gas never gets into the atmosphere, and by destroying all of it as the replacements occur, we are contributing to saving our ozone layer.

Are There Any Other Replacements?

R407C is another replacement that you may want to consider using. It is considered to be very efficient. Another one is called MO99, a coolant that can be put in place of Freon immediately. Some modifications need to be made on certain systems. The HVAC professionals will understand what these modifications are, plus they will be able to undo them for you as well. You may want to get multiple quotes from different professional services that can replace R-22 for you.

Does It Really Matter If You Only Have One Machine With Freon?

There are some that wonder if doing this replacement is really going to be helpful. For example, they may state that they have never had a leak on any of their equipment. They may also state that they only have one machine and a small leak could not really do that much damage. Unfortunately, there are millions of people with these machines, and if all of them begin to leak over the decades, especially when they are thrown away, you are exacerbating the problem. The main concern that people have is how much it will cost. Some of these individuals own businesses. They are afraid that it will cost thousands of dollars to replace the Freon. This is something that will motivate people to not have this exchange. However, it is something that is going to be very helpful, and is mandatory very soon. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get quotes from HVAC companies that can do this for you.

Once everyone has done their part, or at least the vast majority of people that own these machines, it’s going to be a promising future. As we eliminate Freon, and prevented from leaking into the atmosphere, we are going to be doing something important. We are preserving our atmosphere, and protecting the ozone layer which protects us from ultraviolet rays. For those that are living now, that may not seem to be that important. However, as the years pass by, and these problems get worse, we will look back and wonder why we did not replace the Freon. It is important to remember that most of us only have a couple devices, sometimes one, that will have the Freon. Others have already eliminated the problem because they recently replaced a freezer, refrigerator, or an air conditioning unit. All of the newer ones will not have R-22 and therefore it will not be necessary to do anything. By finding someone to change out your existing coolant, you are actually benefiting those that will come later.

Contemporary fitted furniture is a fabulous way to make the best use of your space. If you are struggling to find a way to keep your closets organized, then a fitted wardrobe is the perfect solution. These customized fitted wardrobes provide endless possibilities, including soft-closing drawers and doors, hanging spaces, rails, shoe racks and more.

Important consideration when investing in a customized fitted wardrobe

To understand the purpose of buying bespoke fitted wardrobes, you need to find out where you’d like the wardrobes to be fitted and for what purpose? For example, storing clothes in the bedroom, office files and stationery for a home office, tools and craft supplies for a garage, etc.

Another important factor that needs to be considered is the size of the wardrobe. Will it be fully fitted wall to wall, floor to ceiling? Or will it only occupy a specific part of it? With this information, you can easily determine the functionality and style of the wardrobe.

Endless varieties of customized fitted wardrobes

The beauty of a customized built-in wardrobe is that you can easily decide how small or large your fitted furniture should be; the material it will it be made of, and the types of drawers, shelves, and mirrors you want incorporating with it. These wardrobes can be easily customized with whatever colour, wood grain texture or material you like.

Fitted wardrobes come in a wide range of finishes, colours and styles, making it easy to find one that goes well with your interior decoration.

Flexible price

Another key benefit of modern fitted furniture is its flexible price. The price can vary depending on the type of customized design you choose. However, it depends on the fitted furniture manufacturer you buy from. Professional fitted wardrobe companies may charge a little more than a local DIY store, but the quality will be much better. Designers are quite flexible to work within the given budget as well.

Finally, if you do decide to move and choose to leave them behind, there is nothing to worry about. Made to measure fitted wardrobes add considerable value to your home so they are a perfect investment when selling.

Your room looks more spacious

Bespoke fitted wardrobes are beneficial for any type of house, big or small. Once it is installed, the original space will appear to be a lot larger than before. They use space very effectively and make a cluttered area a lot more sophisticated.

Make your home organized

Everybody would like their clothes and accessories stored in a convenient and organized way. Fitted wardrobes are one of the remarkable ways to keep your clothes in the best condition and shape. This is due to the fabulous internal design and innovative features of the wardrobe.

Conclusion

Handmade, bespoke fitted furniture for bedrooms, loft spaces and living rooms is the first choice to consider when perusing the dream of a more organized home.

Modernising your home doesn’t have to cost a lot. Whether you want to make a couple of cosmetic changes or want a radical overhaul, there are many ways you can completely transform your home. So let’s take a look into some of the easiest ways you can modernise your home.

Reupholster

Buying new furniture is expensive, especially if you are someone who wants to change it all the time. However, there is a nifty little trick that you can do to get a new look without too much cost – reupholstering. You can, for example, change your traditional armchair or sofa from an outdated print to something modern and with colour. Take a look at Mother Earth News for tips and instructions on how to reupholster your furniture.

Get rid of the clutter

For a modern and minimal look you need to declutter. The best thing about decluttering is that you end up with the things you really need and want. Look at your room living space for a start and get rid of everything in your eyeline that has no purpose. Having less clutter in general means that you can focus on a few ‘statement’ pieces of furniture, for example.

Dress your statement furniture

Many say that matching furniture sets are the now a thing of the past so, if you happen to have these in your home, don’t be afraid to mix things up a little (and don’t feel the need to buy a whole new set from scratch if only one item needs upgrading).

The key to decorating with mismatched furniture is the way you dress it all up and you can still embrace a theme across numerous rooms. For example, in the bedroom, you can embrace your wider design theme or colour scheme by the way you dress your bed up to be a ‘statement’ piece of furniture. If your bed is tired, head over to Divan Beds Centre and find yourself a new one. Items such as this – and your sofa – are the important pieces to build your whole home around.

Add some art

Art will make a lovely addition to a modern home, whether it’s in the bedroom or living room. You should be looking for artwork that will complement your current furnishings and you should make sure it is hung at eye level so it is noticeable to your guests. If you are on a budget when it comes to artwork, switch your usual picture frames to ornate modern ones for a simple-but-effective change.

Technology

A modern home relies on technology and the right pieces can be an important part of your design. Your first step is investing in a good TV – this will make optimal usage for your space in the living room and can add a sleek look to your overall space (since this is the focal point of the room for many families). Opt for a TV mounted on the wall for maximum efforts.

New lighting

Having proper lighting in a home can truly bring it to life. Poorly lit spaces can be dark and cramped, while having somewhere that is brightly lit will appear open and welcoming. Place floor lamps in dark corners and add lamps to side tables for a cosy feel. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, replace those outdated ceiling or wall fixtures with a modern centrepiece.

Update your window treatments

Windows are often overlooked but they need to be dressed and not left bare. With windows, you can be as bold as you want – think geometric curtains, bright colours and plants to change the look. If you are stressing over how to style them, sometimes the easiest thing to do is match your curtain panels with the colour of your walls.

Focus on the garden

Don’t forget about keeping on top of your garden. Some people plant one or two trees and assume that they are done. Whilst we don’t all have green fingers, we can all easily do a little more to add a modern look to this part of the home. For example, add a couple of flowering shrubs and some raised beds to the walkway leading up to your front door. Layer the height of your plants in the back garden from the tallest at the back and the smallest at the front and experiment with styles and colours. This can be really rewarding when you get it right.

As you can see, there are lots of different ways to modernise your home without too much mess, huge expense or even complete remodelling. Study your rooms and ask yourself what are your most outdated features. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know where to start.

Studies have shown that natural light improves moods, reduces eyestrain and even creates the illusion of spaciousness. A home filled with natural light not only appears bigger but is more pleasant to live in. Short of building a glass house, how do homeowners facilitate as much natural light in their homes as possible?

Windows are a fantastic way of allowing sunlight to in but the window design you select is key. Some window designs are better suited to the facilitation of natural light than others so it is important that you keep this in mind when discussing your plans for the inclusion of new windows in your home.

Window Design Styles

There are several styles of windows from which to choose here are a few of the most popular:

Bay – These large windows are traditionally made of three windows, one large window flanked by smaller windows. A window seat under a bay window is heavenly.

Double-hung – This classic window design style has an outside sash that slides up and down and an inside sash that slides up. This style of window allows a lovely breeze in as well as facilitates natural light.

Casement – Casement windows are usually hung in pairs and mounted on hinges that allow the sash to swing in or out (depending on what you prefer).

Bow – These windows are similar to bay windows but have more than three panels which join to form a gentle curve.

Tilt-turn – This window design is popular in Europe, these unusual windows tilt in towards the room at the top and also turn a full 180 degrees – excellent for easy cleaning.

Jalousies – This window design is comprised of many slats of glass that open and close. Jalousies windows are extremely similar to Venetian blinds.

Skylight – This window design is perfect for small rooms where normal windows would be overwhelming. Skylights are essentially windows which are fitted at an angle rather than vertically, usually through the ceiling or roof.

Fixed – As these windows can not be opened their sole purpose is to allow light in.

Stained glass – This window design is popular in Victorian inspired homes around the world. Patterns are made from different pieces of coloured glass and the sparkle of different coloured beams of light has a wonderful effect.

Window Design Considerations

Before finalising your window design ideas you need to take a few things into consideration.

The design of your home – you’ll want the design of your windows to fit into the overall design of your home. Rounded windows may look a little obscure when fitted into a really tall wall just as overly large windows may be inappropriate in a small home. Select a window design that can be used through your home to achieve a consistent design theme. Incorporating a large variety of window designs may be overpowering. Window design should be complimentary never overwhelming.

Simply put windows…are what you put in the holes in your house. Think about that. Holes in your house. It seems to me that if you are going to have holes in your house, you want a very good quality window to prevent the those holes from letting the conditioned air out and the cold air in and rain from destroying the interior of your house.

Their are three basic categories of windows:

Wood

Aluminum

Vinyl

I will discuss wood windows in particular in this post and specifically clad windows as very few people wish to put unclad windows in their house due to the added maintenance of having to paint them every 3-5 years.

Wood windows are made of wood, (primarily pine) but are sold primarily with a cladding on the exterior to reduce the exterior maintenance requirements that attach to all windows (no painting). The cladding is typically Aluminum, however their are increasing options in this regard in the form of extruded and sheet noble metal claddings such as Bronze, Copper and Zinc.

The last 3 materials are generally sold only on custom windows which are very expensive and typically can only be justified on hard budgets of over $ 400 PSF. If your like me (and most others) you will not be building a home in this range.

However, there are a few copper alternatives manufactured by commodity window manufacturer’s that might in fact fit into your budget. I will discuss these in greater detail in a later post. Anyway back to clad wood windows.

The best known names in this field (due to huge marketing budgets) are Anderson, Pella, Weathershield, Jeld-Wen and Marvin. They probably comprise about 65% market share between them and each of them have their own specific advantages and disadvantages. Only a careful review of the features and benefits of each window will reveal what is best for your project. A brief description of the features that I consider important when reviewing the various windows follows below:

Anderson – unique in that the wood window made by Anderson is clad with a PVC vinyl cladding. The cladding is bound to the wood substrate with an adhesive type mechanism which has shown effective, but in some extreme climates worries me that it could detach.

The window is backed by a top-notch warranty and I have anecdotal experience that the company takes its warranty obligations seriously. A good thing indeed. There was manufacturing problem with the welding of the corners of the vinyl cladding some years back on a lot of windows that made its way to Colorado. I was selling Anderson windows at that time and know that the Company spent a very healthy sum of money to find the windows with the problem and fix them before the owners knew there was a problem. It is not that usual to see this kind of pro-active attitude in any company.

The other features of the window include a proprietary glazing system that will require that you will always have to go the Anderson for replacement and a reticence by the company to put breather tubes in their glazing system (critical in high altitudes). Anderson is the largest manufacturers of windows (under one brand) in the U.S. Anderson sells their product through a dealer network composed of lumber yards, window dealers and home-improvement contractors. Anderson mow also sells a line of composite windows made from the waste wood derived from manufacturing its wood windows,

Pella – Pella manufacturers windows clad and unclad in Iowa and markets them through primarily authorized distributors although they have recently started to distribute their builder grade line through Home Depot. The Pella product is distinguished by the availability of buit-in roll-down insect screens, between-the-glass window blinds and and an exclusive distributorship for the clearest window screening material made in the United States.

Window coverings have a process on how you should choose your window curtains and drapes. You have three basic choices to decide from on what window treatment is best for your homes decor. You first have to decide whether you want informal or formal window coverings? Secondly unlined or lined? And thirdly the style and type of heading desired. After you have decided on the type of window treatment you are looking for you can start to finalize the design. Window coverings are influenced by several elements, which include the function of the space, the style of the architecture of the home, and the window treatment preferences of the homeowner. The resulting factor is the same window design can be treated very differently depending on the person’s taste. Imagine a dining room that has a bay window. This type of window style is usually a multi layered floor length window treatment – basically it’s a formal window covering. If your taste is a more casual laid-back style you may introduce an informal appearance of café curtains with some sill length and some tied back side panels.

What is a full formal window treatment?

A formal window covering usually will have two or three layers. The first layer may be the casement curtain and will be installed within your Windows trim area. Usually you would use a sheer, solid or maybe a lace panel that will lay straight or either gathered at the top. Over draperies usually called just draperies will be your second layer. Generally they will cover the trim and window and if there is room left stretched further to each side or even the area that is above your window. Optionally the third layer of your full formal window treatment will be a valance this is also known as pelnet that horizontally runs across the top of your window and will cover the curtain or drapery heading. Another piece of the formal window treatment is a hard valance, also known as a lanbre-quin or a cornice. It is normally made with wood, which is then covered with upholstery or some fabric. To some people by not using the third treatment it will appear like the window covering is unfinished but in all sense this depends on the taste and style that you are trying to obtain. By using heavy but curious fabrics which would include brocades, Tapestries, silks, Damasks and velvet you will enhance the prestige of the formal treatment. The downside of these fabrics is that they will require cleaning from professionals every couple of years.

What is an Informal window treatment?

An informal window treatment can consist of one or two basic layers or you may decide on having nothing at all. If you have a great window location with privacy a beautiful window can look great even without a dressing especially if you have a great view. Sometimes just some basic casement curtains look great for a casual room. If you need to cover only the lower half of the window a Café curtain can offer you privacy and not block the light. Fabrics that are used for the informal look consist of chitz, ticking, linen, muslin and gingham. A benefit to the informal window coverings over the formal window coverings is that most of these are washable and easy to take care of.

Window drapes and curtain linings

Depending whether you have a formal or informal curtain or drape covering it will often decide if your window treatment will be lined. Factors will include the amount of natural light you want in your room and the length of time you expect the arrangement will last. Unlined curtains diffuse daylight but won’t exclude it. Being the simplest form for your window covering it is still very effective by itself as a window under treatment. The unlined treatment doesn’t have the extra thickness of a lining and will stack lightly back. A good choice is to use a fabric that looks attractive from both sides so there will not be a right or wrong side for the inside or outside of your window covering. Classic choices for unlined treatments would consist of lace, mobile, Muslim and sheers that are made out of cotton or silk organza. You may even have textured fabrics that have open weaves; an unlined curtain will filter the light beautifully and give you some privacy in the evening when the lamp is on. Try consolidating sheers with window blinds and shades. Unlined curtain drawbacks are the damage from the sunlight on the window treatment because there is no lining for your window fabric for protection it will deteriorate rapidly.

Lined curtains and drapes

Lined curtains and drapes have more body, which will give you softer and deeper folds and improve the window treatment appearance. The lining will block sunlight and protect the window fabric from fading. A lining also preserves the color and increases your privacy and will reduce noise from outside. Look for linings that are treated to resist sun damage and rot, once the lining becomes deteriorated you can just realign it or just hang the window covering without the lining on. The rule of thumb is that if you line one curtain in the room do all the rest the same so they will match, Usually the lining fabric will be off-white or white although you can get colored linings you should know that this will affect the hue of the window covering when light passes through it especially in a lightweight curtain fabric get samples and test them togeter

One thing to keep in mind when choosing basement replacement windows is increasing the value of your home. They should be pleasing to the eye but also need to resistant to water leaks, and energy efficient. This is an area of the home that when doing home improvements should not be skimped on. To have the job done right you should hire a reputable, qualified contractor that has the experience with this type of work. You should hire a home improvement contractor that specializes in window replacement or with window replacement contractor.

This contract specialist should be able to give the homeowner advice on which is the best replacement windows for the basement. Check out several contractors before you make your choice which to hire. Get and estimate from each one so you can compare to see which one to choose. If you have had family or friends who have had basement replacement windows installed find out what they thought of the contractor who did the job. If they give them excellent references, you should check the out to see what they charge in comparison to the other bids you have.

Do not immediately settle for double glazed windows but consider all the options. Depending on the structure of the basement, using double pained windows are just one form of energy efficient windows to choose from. Two other options to consider are thermal or fiberglass. Using energy efficient windows will help to block the heat and sun from much of the interior in the summer and in the winter, it will help to keep the cold and wind outside while the inside is warm.

If you have money in the budget, you could replace the smaller windows with larger windows, which will help to improve the value of the home as long waterproof and energy efficient. Getting bigger replacement windows for the basement can give the area more light so it will not have a dingy dark appearance. In case of a ground water leak, they need to be totally watertight. One type of basement replacement window that can help prevent leakage into the basement is windows that have a drainage system that is built in.

If you decide to replace the windows yourself, you have to take accurate measurements so the replacement windows are not too large or too small. If the windows do not fit correctly, you can have heat leaking out and increase your utility bill along with the possibility of leaking windows. It can save you money to do the replacement yourself but if it is not done correctly, it could cost more if you have to hire a professional window replacement specialist to correct your mistakes and put in the windows correctly.

The number one housing defect is water intrusion. The number one entry path for water is around things that penetrate the exterior walls. Let’s talk about windows.

Most houses are built today with vinyl windows. Don’t get me wrong – vinyl windows are great products. They are energy efficient, relatively inexpensive, recyclable, and require little maintenance. But vinyl windows have some inherent problems that must be correctly addressed during installation.

Installation Damage

20% of new windows may leak because of damage that occurs when the window is handled and installed. Unfortunately, you can’t see this damage. Vinyl windows are especially vulnerable because the corners of the window frame are “fused” together on many brands. During shipping, handling, or installation, the seal at the corner can break.

Improper Installation

We used to slam new windows into houses with little regard for water intrusion other than squirting some caulking around it. Have you ever looked closely at a typical vinyl window? A fin extends from the edge of the frame all around the perimeter. This fin extends over the edge of the opening in the wall. But it’s not very wide. On most windows the fin is less than 1-1/2 inches wide, with holes in it for fastening. So it is really a mounting flange. It is not really sealing out much moisture.

Water can travel horizontally where building wrap, siding, and flashing overlap vertically on a wall. Therefore, you need wide flashing to prevent leaks.

The window industry has come up with the solution: a more stringent installation standard for the person installing the window. The new standard says you must flash around the window when it is installed, using specific steps.

The flashing must be at least nine inches wide and sealed to the window fin on the top, bottom and sides. The idea is to create a nine-inch-wide waterproof flashing around the window.

In addition, the flashing at the bottom of the window extends into the rough opening to protect the framing and finish materials inside, should the window frame leak. Ideally, a sill pan should be installed at the bottom.

The current plumbing shortage has been much publicised recently, prompting many people to chase the dollar and have a shot at a career in plumbing. But do the many plumbing courses advertised online and in the press actually lead to a lucrative career, or is it all just a pipe dream?

It is true that some plumbers are currently earning an absolute fortune. London is one area in particular where there are simply not enough plumbers to go around. An elementary understanding of economics identifies the laws of supply and demand, and currently in London, market forces are firmly in the favour of the plumber, so much so that some are charging in excess of £90 an hour. But why is there such a current shortage of plumbers?

The cause dates back to the 1980s and 90s when an economic downturn meant there was simply not enough plumbing work to go around. As firms shed staff and reduced their apprentice intake many plumbers hung up their tools to pursue a more secure living elsewhere.

However, in the past couple of years the intake of private colleges offering plumbing courses has increased on the back of headlines about plumbers earning £90,000 a year. This has attracted individuals into the industry from all walks of life, from mature career changers to ex-services personnel and youngsters fresh out of school and university.

One of the problems facing the industry is the encouragement children are receiving from their teachers to pursue academia rather than a vocational path such as plumbing courses. With the dramatic increase in tuition fees it is anticipated this will change in the future, with many unable to afford university.

Another problem facing some private colleges caused by the high wages plumbers can expect to earn is the lack of experienced tutors. To illustrate this point, why would an individual settle for £25,000 a year as a courses lecturer when they could earn double that working as a plumber?

With the comprehensive plumbing courses currently on offer delivered by some high quality private training providers, the situation is starting to change. If you asked youngsters a few years ago what they would like to do when they grew up they would rather be involved with computers, and would have a rather dim view of the trades. As word spreads regarding the potential remuneration one can expect from a career in plumbing, coupled with the costs now associated with university, many are viewing a career in plumbing in a completely different light.

There are a lot of things that you can do on your own in order to fix broken pipes inside your house. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who are not aware of the things that they need to do, and this is the reason why they often spend tens of thousands of dollars just to have their plumbing system be repaired. Today, I will be explaining to you some of the things that you need to know about the things that you can do to fix a plumbing system. Reading this article will save you thousands of dollars, since you won’t have to contact plumbing contractors regularly.

In most cases, you can solve your problems with the help of a sealant or Fluoropolymer coating. These substances will help you block the holes on your pipes and will keep in working properly. By using these, you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for the repairs, and will extend the lifespan of your plumbing system for years. The best part about using these is that they won’t even cost more than $5. The only thing that you need to do is to determine the part where the damage is, and apply the sealant or the Fluoropolymer coating around it.

Aside from applying sealant or Fluoropolymer coating, you can also replace the pipe itself. All you need is a new pipe, a set of bolts and nuts, and a bolt wrench. Try to loosen the part where the damage is, and remove it from the lining. Once you’re done with it, the next thing that you need to do is to place the new pipe and tighten it with the help of the bolt wrench. Just make sure that you will be closing the main source of water before you do this to prevent bigger problems.

If you think that the problem is too big for you to handle, the thing that you can do is to contact a plumbing contractor right away. Keep in mind the problems with the plumbing system shouldn’t be taken for granted as it can lead to bigger damages. This is the reason why it is advisable for anyone to have at least one plumbing contractor whom he can contact any time. You also need to know how you can find the best plumbing contractor to be sure that you will always get the best results and the best value for the money that you will be spending.